Mushroom factory victim died after pulling brother to safety
Hero called ambulance and saved sibling before falling ill
A COMMUNITY has been left “devastated” after a young man died while saving his brother in a workplace accident in Co Monaghan.
Gary Askin (28) died at a mushroom growing house in Emyvale, where he was working alongside his brother Stephen and a third worker, shortly after 8pm on Wednesday.
The young man has been hailed as a hero after saving his brother’s life.
It is believed Stephen became trapped in an overhead industrial bin, and Gary tried to save him.
Locals have said Stephen was already injured from the toxic fumes and wasn’t able to help Gary when he then got in trouble.
The ambulance, which Gary had ordered, arrived but nothing could be done to help the hero brother.
Independent councillor Seamus Treanor said: “It’s just unbelievable. Everyone is devas- tated. I know the family and for something like this to happen is just unimaginable,” he told the Irish Independent.
Mr Treanor said he knew something was wrong when the town came to a standstill and it became apparent there was an incident in the factory.
“Traffic was coming halting on the way into the town with a helicopter, ambulances and the Fire Brigade attending the scene,” he said.
The Askin family are said to be “devastated” and Mr Treanor said the family were a “major part of the make-up of Emyvale”.
Councillor David Marshall described it as a “very tragic incident”.
“It’s a very close-knit community in Emyvale and it will be a big shock no doubt to everyone there,” he said.
Sinn Féin councillor Brian McKenna said: “It’s very sad. Stephen became trapped in the bin and Gary rang straight away for an ambulance.
“He managed to get his brother Stephen out but then Gary became trapped.
“It’s very tragic. Gary died after saving his brother’s life,” he added.
Mr McKenna said that he wasn’t sure what the bin was used for, but believed it contained toxic fumes.
“Stephen will be fine. Another foreign national worker was there too and he is also OK.”
It is believed that Gary was heavily involved with the local GAA club, along with Stephen.
The funeral will take place on Sunday after his body will be reposing today.